Iranian para-athlete Nasrin Shahih expressed some dissatisfaction with the organization of the fifth Asian Paralympic Games held in Japan, but was pleased to win a bronze medal and secure her place in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Shahih took third place in the SH1 women's pistol discipline at 50 meters, scoring 196.3 points, which earned her the bronze award. At the Games, she participated in two competitions: 10-meter air pistol shooting and 50-meter pistol shooting. In addition to reaching the podium, she managed to guarantee her participation in the Los Angeles Paralympics.
Shahih noted that this was her second participation in the Asian Paralympic Games and she was satisfied with her performance. She mentioned that due to flight restrictions, they had to choose a very long route, and the journey to the host city took about 60 hours. Despite such a long and tiring journey negatively affecting athletes' preparation, they managed to achieve a good result.
Furthermore, Shahih voiced her disappointment with the organization of the Games in Nagoya, pointing out that, similar to the previous tournament in Hangzhou, China, the organizers did not provide a village for the athletes. She reported that the host country did not equip a village for the athletes this time, and teams were accommodated in different hotels. The shooting team was based in the city of Toyota, which was about an hour and a half drive from the competition venue, significantly impacting planning, rest, and concentration.
The athlete added that the conditions of the Games in Japan turned out to be significantly worse than expected. 'The organization was much weaker than we anticipated. Athletes faced problems with food and transportation. Nevertheless, I must note that the Japanese people are very kind, patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Although there were delays, they eventually resolved the issues.'
Turning to the sporting level, the Iranian shooter emphasized that the level of competition was particularly high, as 113 athletes from 18 countries participated. Shahih mentioned that she competed in the 10-meter air pistol and 50-meter pistol disciplines. She admitted that she could not win a medal in the 10-meter air pistol shooting, but gave her all effort in the 50-meter pistol competition, which is much more difficult than the air pistol competition.
Her efforts culminated in a bronze medal and, more importantly, a spot in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Shahih concluded her comments by emphasizing the exceptional significance of securing this spot at the Paralympics, calling it the most important achievement of her campaign at the Asian Paralympic Games.
